Northern ports form powerhouse partnership

The North of England’s four main ports have agreed a new partnership to create jobs, boost exports and create prosperity across the whole of the North.

In a sign the Northern Powerhouse agenda marches forward, a new Northern Ports Association will unite northern ports and make importing and exporting much easier than today.

The association’s creation is a recommendation in IPPR North’s Northern Ports report, which highlighted the dominance of southern ports and the problems this creates in transporting imports and exports across the UK.

For instance, at present, 60% of freight destined for the North is delivered to southern ports - leading to unnecessary motorway traffic, delays, pollution and inefficiency.

Bringing the four ports - Liverpool (ran by Peel Ports), Hull & Humber (ABP), Tees Valley (PD) and Tyne (Port of Tyne) - together, will mean the North can act as a genuine gateway to the world, connecting Atlantic shipping in Liverpool in the west to the east’s links with the continent.

The association is being launched in parliament today [13 September] from 1830, with the four ports signing a Memorandum of Understanding to take forward the commitment. Speakers will include transport minister John Hayes; chair of the Commons transport select committee Louise Ellman MP, and former deputy prime minister Lord Prescott.

Ed Cox, director of IPPR North, said, “Post-Brexit, the Northern Powerhouse agenda is more important than ever.

“Far from the powerhouse being a Whitehall-led scheme, northern businesses are taking control and creating much-needed jobs and prosperity.

“For just £100 million, the government could open-up east-west port connections and create a genuine gateway to a global North. This is exactly the kind of ‘shovel-ready’ project HM Treasury looks to be eyeing-up ahead of the Autumn Statement.”